What to pack in a race drop bag

Volunteers oversee drop bags at Ironman Chattanooga 2016
Volunteers oversee drop bags at Ironman Chattanooga 2016

Five-time Ironman competitor and Ironman Chattanooga Volunteer Director Lisa Anderson has enjoyed getting a chance to see what other racers have carried in their drop bags, the plastic pouches used to transport participants' personal food and gear to them at different intervals of the 140.6-mile course.

Each of the 5,000-plus bags that show up at races like Ironman showcases the character and ingenuity of swimmers, cyclists and runners, young and old.

"You would be amazed at what is packed in the bags," Anderson laughs. For instance, she says, once, somebody packed a hamburger.

"There was just so much random stuff in there, and it's just like, 'What are they thinking?'"

We wanted to find out. To learn more about this world of dispatched paraphernalia, we reached out to Wild Trails Director Randy Whorton.

Just as the bars, gels and biscuits show the personality of Chattanooga's pavement-pounders, this cross-examination provides a snapshot of drop bag culture.

ROAD: Ironman Chattanooga

Drop bags' main objective: Speed

Ideal time spent at stop: 15-20 seconds (fastest); 1 minute and 30 seconds or less (average)

Tips for being most efficient at a stop: Yell your number as you approach the station and look for your volunteer. Bags are lined up in order to help you get yours as quickly as possibly.

Number of bags allowed: Five. Disposable plastic bags are provided at check-in.

What not to pack: Anything you'd definitely like to see after the race. Like your cellphone, credit card or wedding band (true story). Bags are not returned after the event.

Clothes to pack: Older clothes and/or shoes you won't miss.

Other bag etiquette: Tie your bag securely so contents don't spill out when moved or handled by volunteers. You can rip the bag open at the station if you're afraid untying would waste time.

Most interesting items found: Baked potato; McDonald's biscuit; makeup.

TRAIL: Lookout Mountain 50 Miler

Drop bags' main objective: Survival

Ideal time spent at stop: 3-5 minutes

Tips for being most efficient at a stop: Stop, eat and get rehydrated. The goal is to pace yourself.

Number of bags allowed: One gallon-sized bag.

What to pack that you wouldn't for a road race: Headlamp, bandages and other first aid items.

What not to pack: An excessive number of headlamps - which are often found abandoned after the race.

Clothes to pack: Lightweight jacket, extra shoes and extra, extra socks. (You'll start crossing streams around mile 40.)

Other bag etiquette: Remember to take bags back home with you. Unlike Ironman, bags are returned after the event.

Most interesting items found: Five changes of shoes and several cans of Coke - despite Coke being available at the aid stations.

ROAD & TRAIL: There's one thing both Anderson and Whorton can agree on: Candy. Both suggest bringing something sweet to treat yourself while you're killing it on the race course. Our recommendation? All the Snickers bars.

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